Made in Hackney
A plant-based cookery school teaches people how to cook nutritious recipes
Chef Jordan Bourzig teaches the assembled group to cook
“I feel nourished not only by the food, but also by this community,” says vegan chef Jordan Bourzig, who is delivering today’s free five-ingredients community cooking class at Made in Hackney.
He adds: “I enjoy cooking, teaching and having fun with everyone!”
Made in Hackney is a plant-based cookery school and charity, which works towards addressing food insecurity, promoting health and wellbeing, and strengthening community resilience.
Through its charitable arm, Made in Hackney provides free cooking classes for the community, as well as giving free plant-based cooked meals to those most in need.
Volunteer Peter explains: “Many people come here because they want to learn plant-based cooking or they want to change their diet.
“They might be here because they’ve got diabetes, or they want to find out about nutrition and educate their family to cook better.
“A lot of people have never cooked before so they get to learn knife skills and meet new people. Some of them might be lonely and be at home all day – so they come here to socialise.”
Participant Francisca is here for the health benefits of cooking vegan food. She says: “This is the second time I have done this course.
“It has already helped me because my husband is a dialysis patient and eating plant-based food has helped with his health – his heart has also improved.”
Jean enjoys the social aspect of the class. She says: “I need to expand my cooking skills and you meet lots of local people here.
“I keep coming back because I’m learning new things all the time. I keep all the recipes and redo them.”
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Chef Jordan teaches the assembled group how to cook a whole roasted cauliflower, with a side salad of peas and broad beans, and a chocolate slice for dessert.
He explains: “We use only five ingredients for these recipes. We roasted a whole cauliflower with yoghurt and harissa, and added some pomegranates and dukkah on the top.
“On the side we have a pea and broad bean salad with mint and lemon. And the dessert is a caramel and chocolate slice with oats and caramel dates – no sugar.
“We are teaching people how to make plant-based food that is healthy and accessible so they can do it at home. They are cheap and easy meals to cook.”
Participant Omobole says: “I want to eat more vegan dishes because I want to reduce my meat consumption. These courses open up access to eat good food and it gives you confidence to cook more.
“If you come to a class like this you have professionals showing you what to do, you don’t need many ingredients, and these recipes aren’t very complicated. I’d replicate this meal at home.”
Made in Hackney provides a range of free cooking courses – including family baking classes, northern Indian cuisine and anti-inflammatory seasonal cooking.
It also has paid-for ‘masterclasses’ – which range from plant-based Turkish dishes to dinner party essentials – to help fund the community classes.